Outstanding student and athlete Mahala Kuehne was one of 24 winners of a Mendocino College Foundation Evelyn R. Foote $1,500 Scholarship.

Kuehne, who is majoring in psychology and biology at Mendocino College (MC), plans to become a dentist.

She took her first class at MC during the summer after her graduation from Ukiah High School, and decided to stay because "it was convenient, and I had no idea what I wanted to do." She realized that she could take her general education classes at MC for much less money than if she went directly to a four-year college.

"I am so glad I attended MC," she said, "because many of my friends who went right off to a university settled for a major they could get, even though it was not their heart's desire, because of the classes that were ? and were not ? available to them, but I did not have to do that. I probably would not have decided on dentistry if I had gone to a four-year college straight out of high school."

Kuehne expects to finish her psychology major in May 2013, which will make her eligible to transfer to a four-year university; however, she plans to attend MC another year to take more biology classes in preparation for her dental school ambitions, and to use up her eligibility to play volleyball.

She said last semester was her first experience playing volleyball.

"I ran cross country and swam in high school, she said, but I had never played volleyball. I asked the coach if I could practice with the team, just for fun, and she said I could. After a while, she invited me to join the team. We only won one game, so sticking with it was a huge accomplishment for all of us. But just wait until next season!"

Kuehne said "leaving" will be her biggest challenge, since "it is so easy living at home, and a lot less expensive too." To keep herself motivated, she researches dental schools, and universities with prestigious biology programs which could be a stepping stone to dental school. "It is exciting to think about moving on to a professional career," she said.

While Kuehne has always enjoyed learning, she said her mom, Tabitha, has always encouraged her interest in academics. Kuehne also noted that her MC counselor, Jean Stirling, has been a great match. "If I am not sure about something, I go to her and we figure it out."

Kuehne is proud that she has not received a grade lower than a "B" since she has been in college.? She said the MC MESA program has been a great resource for her, especially in math. "I don't qualify to be a member of MESA," she said, "but I still participate. I go to tutoring and to the math workshops."

Her advice for other prospective scholarship winners: "Don't put off doing homework, or studying, or asking for help. Just do it!"

Kuehne has an ambitious schedule for the Spring semester. She will be taking chemistry, botany, pre-calculus, research methods for psychology, and volleyball. "I am excited to get started!" she said.

To help pay her college expenses, Kuehne works at Brown Bear Toys. When she has free time, she enjoys running, swimming, hanging out with friends, and watching movies with her mom. Her family includes brother, J.C., and sister, Thea, along with two dogs and seven chickens, which all have names.

"I don't take anything for granted," she said. "Not everyone is as lucky as we are to be able to get an education. It is important to soak up everything you can."